One Refined Flieger

Fortis pilot watches debuted in the 1980s and helped define a new generation of functional timepieces, with a distinct style that combined 40 mm cases and black dials, along with green tritium luminous material applied to large hands and hour markers. The result was sturdy, sober and legible watches designed for professional pilots. The inherent attraction of no-nonsense tool watches quickly extended beyond the world’s high flyers (fliegers), and Fortis pilot watches began appearing on the wrists of the populace.

The new Fortis limited edition Flieger Chronograph 597.20.92 M is a sophisticated variant of the award-wining models in the current collection, with a tonal scheme reminiscent of watches in the brand’s current F-43 series. The Flieger Chronograph maintains all of the desirable qualities of an effective pilot’s watch but offers a few refinements that make it more subdued, and more elegant.

The case retains the 40 mm size of the original offerings and utilizes a combination of brushed and polished steel. The sturdy interlink bracelet closes by way of a fold-over clasp. (The watch is also available on a black padded leather strap.) Polished steel chronograph pushers flank the large, fluted and domed crown, which is designed to be easy to clutch and operate. The sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating and the watch is water resistant to 330 feet.

Subtleties include thicker, softer outlines around the sub-dials and skeletonized hands with luminous tips. The dial’s creamy shade of beige is well coordinated with the blue and black details. All in all, these changes ease the watch’s tough and purposeful appearance without sacrificing legibility, which so defines the Fortis Flieger’s history.

At the heart of the Flieger Chronograph 597.20.92 M is an ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic movement, widely accepted as one of the most dependable cam-operated chronograph movements around. In addition to the chronograph function, the Flieger features quick-set day and date complications.

Time-keeping equipment for pilots has to be functional: legibility and dependability are essential to a pilot’s ability to make accurate calculations on-the-fly. This is the legacy of the Fortis Flieger. Today, Fortis pilot watches continue to be a favorite among civil aviation and air aerobatic squadrons around the world. Built to perform and good looks to match make this Flieger Chronograph – a limited edition of 500 pieces worldwide – an excellent choice for daily wear. Pick one up today from an authorized Fortis dealer.

Over 500 astronauts have reached earth’s orbit. Only 300 of them could ever hope to wear the world’s first and only C.O.S.C certified cosmonaut’s mechanical alarm chronometer.

Few things are more exclusive than orbiting the earth, and the astounding titanium Fortis 660.27.11 M B-42 Official Cosmonauts Alarm Chronograph is one of them. Only 300 of these mechanical marvels were ever produced. This technically advanced and extremely exclusive official cosmonauts chronometer is a testament to the skill of Fortis master watchmakers. The Fortis 660.27.11 M B-42 Titanium Official Cosmonauts Alarm Chronograph is not only the world’s first C.O.S.C. certified mechanical alarm chronometer, it is the first watch of its kind to be approved for space travel.

This first-of-its-kind Swiss made 42 mm mechanical timepiece is powered by a proprietary Fortis F2001-5 movement, which is based on a time-tested Valjoux 7750 that has been modified to include the exclusive alarm complication. The superlative movement also includes an Incabloc shock absorber and dual mainspring barrels. With its C.O.S.C certification, the Official Cosmonauts Alarm Chronograph is both extremely accurate and uniquely suited for critical application both here at home and in outer space.

The uncluttered matte black dial features large legible Superluminova white Arabic numbers with three well-placed totalizers for 30 minutes, 12 hours, and 60 seconds. The bright Superluminova hands and indices are easy to read under any lighting conditions. There is a convenient date window at 3 o’clock, flanked by an orange square to indicate whether the alarm function is activated. Two small arrows indicate which direction the crown must be turned to change the date or alarm. Every detail of this fine timepiece has been designed to make life easier for the busy astronaut or aviator.

Even though the Fortis 660.27.11 M B-42 Titanium Official Cosmonauts Alarm Chronograph is rated for space travel, you don’t have to be an astronaut to own one. You do have to act fast though, because there are only 300 of these beauties in the entire universe. To put one on your wrist, contact an authorized Fortis dealer today and launch yourself into a whole new level of perfection.

The 1970’s weren’t just about big hair, leisure suits, and waterbeds. This decade was also a time of tremendous innovation. Barcodes, e-mail, laser printers, video games, personal computers, and genetic engineering all made their debut in the 1970’s. Not surprisingly, this was also a time of horological excellence, with many watchmakers introducing some of their most innovative and enduring designs. One of these groundbreaking timepieces was the original Fortis Marinemaster.

As a tribute to this iconic timepiece, Fortis is re-issuing it in a special limited edition of 500 pieces. The Fortis Marinemaster Vintage 800.20.85 L.01 remains faithful to the original design while incorporating technological advancements that make the historic chronograph even better. A proprietary Fortis caliber 2020 automatic movement, based on the reliable Swiss made ETA 2892, now powers this vintage masterpiece. With a modified chronograph module, 47 jewels, a fine timing device and Incabloc shock absorber, this superb timing tool is an improvement on the earlier Marinemaster.

Like its 1970’s namesake, the Marinemaster Vintage 800.20.85 L.01 watch features a three-part 40 mm stainless steel case, a specially coated domed PMMA acrylic crystal, an exhibition caseback, and a unidirectional rotating bezel with a clearly marked 60-minute aluminum insert ring. The beautiful black dial features three perfectly placed blue sub-dials at 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock for timing events. There is also a precisely engraved tachymeter scale circumscribed around the edge of the chapter ring.

The 800.20.85 L.01 Fortis Marinemaster Vintage has a highly polished, and period correct, stainless steel case that is water resistant to 165 feet. The vintage chronograph has been fitted with a beautiful black genuine leather strap with contrasting top stitching, just like the 1970’s original.

If you’d like to own one of the iconic timepieces that made Fortis a favorite among pilots, astronauts, and sailors, this is your chance. With only 500 copies available worldwide, this faithful recreation of a Fortis masterpiece won’t last long. To put a piece of history on your wrist, contact an authorized Fortis dealer immediately and reserve your Fortis 800.20.85 L.01 Marinemaster Vintage watch today.

Even though the chronograph is a sporty complication, it can exude class and sophistication. All it takes is the right design to make it a timepiece that works in both casual and business environments. The Louis Erard 78 225 AA 06 chronograph from the 1931 collection hits that sweet spot allowing it to be a versatile player in any situation.

Housed in a 42.5 mm stainless steel case, the Louis Erard 78 225 AA 06 timepiece features a rich chocolate brown dial. Brown dials aren’t commonly used, the default colors being silver, white or black. However, when the right tone of brown is chosen, it makes the watch a real standout—and Louis Erard really got this one right.

The chronograph dials are set against this beautiful brown dial with the 30 minute counter at 12 o’clock, the 12 hour counter at 6 o’clock and the crosshair running seconds at 9 o’clock. The watch’s yellow seconds hand adds nice contrast to the composition.

In the classic layout, the chronograph pushers surround the crown at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock. In addition to the chronograph function, the Louis Erard 1931 78 225 AA 06 timepiece also provides the convenience of a date aperture at 6 o’clock within the 12 hour subdial. A watch isn’t finished until it’s got a strap, which can make or break the overall look of a watch. Louis Erard chose the right tone with the brown crocodile-pattern leather strap with a steel folding clasp.

All of Louis Erard’s watches are Swiss made and the Louis Erard 78 225 AA 06 employs a mechanical automatic ETA Valjoux 7750 calibre, one of the most reliable movements on the market. Part of the fun of a mechanical movement is seeing the moving parts, and the sapphire exhibition caseback allows this pleasure.